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Butler Basketball: Keys to success against Louisiana Monroe in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 21: Derrik Smits #21 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 21: Derrik Smits #21 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Bulldogs defend. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Bulldogs defend. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. Set the tone with perimeter defense.

Louisiana Monroe derives the vast majority of its scoring from its backcourt comprised of Michael Ertel and JD Williams. In fact, through the first 10 games of this season, those two players are supplying 50.1% of the Warhawks’ total points and it is reasonable to assume that their offense will run through them against Butler as well. Thankfully, the Dawgs deploy some of the best perimeter defenders in the entire Big East with Aaron Thompson and Baldwin starting and Khalif Battle/Henry Baddley available off the bench.

With this said, Butler will likely look to set the tone defensively. Although the Dawgs have been highly efficient on both ends of the floor this season, they are far more consistent with shutting down opposing offenses, especially from beyond the arc. Butler has only played four games against teams ranked outside of the KenPom Top 150 so far this season and they are 4-0 while limiting its opponents to just 47.8 points per game in those contests.

It is reasonable to assume that Butler’s defense will once again be on full display in this one. That is especially true considering both teams like to slow down the pace of games. As I will discuss a bit later as well, pressure defense on the perimeter should also yield plenty of turnovers for Butler to work with. In a low-possession game like this one projects to be, that could be very important.

Thompson and Baldwin are arguably Butler’s most important vocal leaders on the team. With that said, it will be up to them to push the Dawgs to perform at their usual high standards rather than playing down to ULM’s level. Setting the tone with perimeter defense is definitely one area in which they can showcase their leadership.